The "Mineral Extraction for Renewable Industry and Critical Applications Act of 2025," or MERICA Act of 2025 , proposes to significantly expand the scope of the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands. Its central aim is to make this existing Act applicable to hardrock minerals , which were previously not covered under its leasing provisions. Specifically, the bill amends the definitions within the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands to include a comprehensive definition of "hardrock mineral." This new definition encompasses a wide range of substances, such as base metals , precious metals , industrial metals , and gemstones found in various rock formations. However, it explicitly excludes traditional energy minerals like coal, oil, and gas, as well as certain other minerals like sodium, potassium, and sulfur, which are already covered by other statutes or excluded from this new definition.